Things To Do
in Concórdia

Concórdia is a mid-sized city in western Santa Catarina, Brazil, surrounded by soy, corn, and dairy farms. It blends a friendly, laid-back pace with a growing urban scene centered on markets, restaurants, and cultural events. The climate brings warm summers and mild winters, making outdoor exploration pleasant most of the year.

It's a convenient base for exploring the rural countryside, rivers, hills, and parks in the region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration of Downtown Concórdia
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the central Praça Getúlio Vargas, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere and beautiful sculptures. Grab a coffee at a nearby café and watch the city come to life. The morning light beautifully illuminates the historic buildings around the square.

afternoon
:

Explore the Concórdia Cultural Center to learn about the region’s history and artistic heritage. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional dishes. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks and green spaces to relax.

evening
:

Dine at a local churrascaria to experience authentic Brazilian barbecue. After dinner, visit a nearby bar or café to enjoy live music and mingle with locals. The warm evening air and vibrant nightlife create a welcoming atmosphere.

day 2
Outdoor Adventures and Nature Walks
morning
:

Head out early to the Parque Natural Municipal Villa Francioni for a nature walk and bird watching. The cool morning air and peaceful environment make it ideal for spotting local wildlife and enjoying the natural beauty. Bring a camera to capture the lush scenery.

afternoon
:

Picnic in the park with fresh local produce and enjoy the scenic views. After lunch, visit the nearby Lago Olímpico for some leisurely outdoor activities such as paddle boating or fishing. The natural surroundings offer a peaceful retreat from city life.

evening
:

Return to the city center and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a family-owned restaurant known for its hearty Southern Brazilian dishes. Take a late-evening stroll along the main avenue to see the city illuminated. The quiet evening ambiance is perfect for reflection.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$7-12
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🚎One-way local transit ticket$1.50-2.50
🏨Hotel room per night (mid-range)$40-70
Coffee or small drink$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and a relaxed, safe small-city vibe
  • Strong agricultural backdrop with fresh local produce
  • Limited large-city nightlife and fewer international dining options
  • Distances to bigger airports can add travel time
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Concórdia

Visit one of these nice places.

Praça Central e entorno

A lively central square with historic buildings, fountains, and the city’s clock; great for daytime street photography and golden-hour portraits.

Igreja Matriz de Concórdia

A classic church façade with subtle interior details; ideal for architectural shots and quiet interior photography.

Parque de Exposição

Rural landscapes, livestock pavilions, and wide open spaces offering expansive views and event photography opportunities.

Mirante do Rio Chapecó

Elevated overlook with views over the river valley and surrounding farmlands; sunset shots are particularly striking.

Culinary Guide

Food in Concórdia

Concórdia’s cuisine reflects a blend of European-influenced traditions and farm-fresh ingredients, with hearty meats, polenta, and savory breads featured prominently.

Concórdia Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Churrasco tradicional

Brazilian barbecue with a selection of beef, pork, and sausages; best enjoyed at churrascarias or during family gatherings.

Must-Try!

Polenta com carne

Polenta served with meat sauce or grilled meats—comfort food common in the region.

Pão com linguiça

Savory bread stuffed with sausage, a popular street-food-style snack at markets and fairs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Concórdia

A compact market offering cheese, fresh produce, breads, and ready-to-eat dishes from local producers.

Feiras e rua no centro

Weekly street stalls and small fairs around the city center serving pastel, milho assado, caldo and other quick bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

The city experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rain is more common in the warm months, especially in the late afternoon and evening, while winters can bring cooler nights but generally comfortable daytime temperatures. Overall, the climate supports year-round outdoor activities, with the best conditions for hiking and markets in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

General etiquette

Greet with a polite 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and use 'por favor' and 'obrigado(a)'. Handshakes are common in formal introductions. In social settings, personal space is respected, and modest attire in churches is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Concórdia is generally safe in daylight and in well-trafficked areas. As in any city, keep an eye on belongings in crowded markets and at bus stops. Use legitimate taxis or rideshare services at night, avoid isolated areas after dark, and be aware of weather-related hazards during the rainy season.

Tipping in Concórdia

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated in restaurants when service is not included; a 5-10% tip is common. Small tips for hotel staff, taxi drivers, and bar staff are also welcome.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and often humid days with frequent late-afternoon rain showers or thunderstorms. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for the mornings or late evenings.

Autumn

Mild and pleasant temperatures with changing foliage; a comfortable time for walks and city exploring.

Winter

Cool to mild days with cooler nights; light jackets suffice. Rain is possible, so bring a compact rain layer for outdoor plans.

Spring

Green landscapes and moderate weather; ideal for hiking, cycling, and outdoor markets, with intermittent showers.

Nightlife Guide

Concórdia at Night

Concórdia’s nightlife centers on casual bars and cafés in the city center, especially around the main praça. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with live music, traditional chorinho or samba evenings, and seasonal festivals. For a louder scene, you’ll find select venues offering dance music on weekends, usually with a friendly, community vibe rather than a large-city club scene.

Hiking in Concórdia

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Countryside foothill trails near Concórdia

A pair of moderate hikes through gentle hills and eucalyptus groves surrounding the city, offering rural scenery and city views.

Ribeirão Valley trail

A longer, scenic route along the river valley with viewpoints over farmlands and distant hills; suitable for a full-day hike or a relaxed half-day trek.

Airports

How to reach Concórdia by plane.

Chapecó - Serafin Enoss Bertaso Airport (XAP)

Nearest regional airport serving western Santa Catarina; connects to major Brazilian hubs via domestic flights and provides ground transport to Concórdia.

Lages Municipal Airport (LAJ)

Smaller regional airport a few hours’ drive from Concórdia; serves domestic flights and is a practical alternative for regional travel.

Joinville-Lauro Carneiro de Loyola Airport (JOI)

Larger nearby airport with more flight options; typically reached by road or a longer drive from Concórdia.

Getting Around

Walkability

Concórdia is reasonably walkable in the city center, with a pleasant grid of streets around the main praça. For broader exploration, a short drive or bike ride is often the easiest way to reach rural areas, farms, and viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Population mix

Predominantly a mix of White and Pardo (mixed race) residents, with a strong European heritage influence in local culture and cuisine; Catholic traditions are common, with growing diversity due to migration and travel.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the region with local clubs and community leagues playing in and around Concórdia.

Futsal and volleyball

Indoor and beach-style variants are common in schools and community centers.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is modest compared to larger cities. The city center can experience light congestion during peak morning and evening hours, but overall movement is smooth. Public transportation exists, and ridesharing services are commonly available for nighttime travel. Roads to surrounding towns are generally well-maintained, with occasional rural routes in need of standard maintenance after rain.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Concórdia.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many vegetarian options are available via salads, polenta, veggie stews, and cheese-and-egg dishes; look for prato vegetariano or request vegetable mains at restaurants; markets offer fresh produce and eggs to build meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through local clinics and private hospitals in the city. For emergencies, the standard Brazilian emergency numbers apply (SAMU: 192, Fire/Rescue: 193). Private options typically offer shorter wait times, while public facilities cover essential services. It’s wise to carry travel insurance that includes medical coverage.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide